Method and apparatus for locating and detecting vascular plaque via impedence and conductivity measurements, and for cryogenically passivating vascular plaque and inhibiting vascular plaque progression and rupture

6 The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of, if plaque is detected, treating the plaque.

The method of claim 6 wherein the step of treating the plaque includes use of a beneficial agent.

A device for detecting plaque proximate a surrounding area of a human body, the device comprising:

• one or more sensors for detecting electrical signals proximate the area;
• and
• a treatment device for treating the plaque, the treating device coupled to the one or more sensors.

An apparatus for detecting and treating vulnerable plaque proximate an area of a body lumen the apparatus comprising:

• one or more electrically sensitive sensors for detecting impedance of the area of the body lumen, the presence or absence of the vulnerable plaque corresponding to the detected impedance;
• and
• a steerable catheter coupled to the one or more sensors, the catheter including a tip, the tip being maneuvered to a point proximate to the vulnerable plaque, and wherein the catheter delivers a beneficial agent to the area to treat tissue identified as the vulnerable plaque.

A method for treating vulnerable plaque formed on an interior lumenal surface of a body lumen comprising the steps of:

• positioning a cooling device within an interior lumenal surface at a point proximate to a plaque formation;
• and
• cooling the lumenal surface at the point proximate to the plaque formation to inhibit the progression of plaque formation wherein the lumenal surface is cooled to a temperature of less than about zero degrees Celsius.